Reflective materials for industrial helmets

ABSTRACT

A marking material for an industrial helmet includes a body formed of a plurality of layers. The body supports an adhesive arranged to secure the body to a bottom surface of a brim of the industrial helmet. Two or more of the layers include one or more polymeric materials. The polymeric materials may have reflective properties, heat and fire resistant properties, or combinations thereof.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/868,336, filed Aug. 21, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to safety devices, and more specifically, to light and heat resistant reflective coatings for industrial helmets (e.g., fire helmets, construction hard hats, mining hard hats, etc.) to improve safety, identification and visibility.

BACKGROUND

Firefighters wear helmets to protect the head against heat, cinders, and falling objects. However, even helmets cannot protect firefighters against all dangers. For example, falling debris can knock a firefighter down or even render them unconscious. In some instances, the collision is so severe that the firefighter's helmet may fall off.

While firefighters can usually be identified by a badge or other markings such as a name tag, locating a fallen firefighter under dimly lit and hazardous conditions can be challenging, particularly if the fallen firefighter is unable to communicate. Under these extremely dangerous circumstances, time is of the essence and every second can make a difference, especially when life-threatening injuries are in the balance.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, new devices, systems, and methods that improve visibility and identification of people wearing industrial helmets would be desirable, particularly those involved in dangerous working environments such as firefighters and miners. For instance, industrial helmets with reflective marking material would be advantageous to hasten recovery efforts for a fallen worker.

Given that marking material provided on an industrial helmet may be repeatedly subject to harsh conditions (e.g., fire, falling debris, etc.), it would also be desirable to provide a low-profile marking material that is resistant to wear and tear, heat, ultraviolet and the like to improve longevity and reliability of the marking material and usefulness of the industrial helmet. Marking materials such as stickers, decals, and the like may be positioned on the top surface of the industrial helmet to provide visibility and/or identification when the industrial helmet is worn; however, the top surface of an industrial helmet is often subject to much harsher conditions than the bottom surface of the industrial helmet, limiting longevity and reliability of such marking materials. Thus, it would also be desirable to provide marking materials on the bottom surfaces of the industrial helmet that improve visibility and/or identification of the industrial helmet and/or wearer of the industrial helmet—particularly under circumstances in which the industrial helmet may fall off a wearer's head in that these industrial helmets typically land with the bottom surfaces facing up, concealing any marking material or feature on the top surface of the industrial helmet. Positioning marking materials on the bottom surface of the industrial helmet can improve longevity and reliability of the marking materials by limiting exposure of the marking materials to heat, cinders, falling debris, and the like.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a marking material for an industrial helmet the industrial helmet. The industrial helmet has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface defines a head-receiving cavity therein. The industrial helmet includes a brim extending therefrom. The brim includes top and bottom surfaces such that a portion of the bottom surface of the industrial helmet defines the bottom surface of the brim.

The marking material includes a body formed of a plurality of layers. The body may have a brim shape, a U-shape, or combinations thereof. The body supports an adhesive arranged to secure the body to the bottom surface of the brim of the industrial helmet. Two or more of the layers include one or more polymeric materials. A first one of the layers has reflective properties and a second one of the layers has heat and fire resistant properties.

In some embodiments, the first one of the layers has a thickness of between about 3 millimeters and 6 millimeters. The first one of the layers may include white reflective material, black reflective material, or combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, the second one of the layers has a thickness of between about 2 mm and 4 mm. The second one of the layers may be non-fibrous. In some embodiments, the second one of the layers may be clear. The second one of the layers may have ultraviolet resistance properties, scratch resistance properties, or combinations thereof.

One of the layers can include indicia material such as ink. The indicia material may be printed on one of the layers. In some embodiments, the layers may include a third layer that is a matte laminate.

In certain embodiments, two or more of the layers may be formed of a vinyl material. One or more of the layers may include anti-glare properties, non-glare properties, or combinations thereof.

In another aspect, the marking material includes a body having reflective properties and a brim shape that complements at least a portion of the bottom surface of the brim of the industrial helmet. The body supports an adhesive configured to secure the body to the bottom surface of the brim of the industrial helmet.

The body may include a central portion having a width and a pair of arms that extends from the central portion. Each of the pair of arms has a width. The width of the central portion transitions to the width of the pair of arms.

In embodiments, the bottom surface of the brim defines a brim area such that the marking material is shaped and configured to overlie at least about 50% of the brim area. In some embodiments, the marking material is shaped and configured to overlie at least about 90% of the brim area.

According to yet another aspect, an industrial helmet is provided. The industrial helmet includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a brim, and a marking material. The bottom surface defines a head-receiving cavity therein. The brim has a bottom surface such that the bottom surface of the industrial helmet includes the bottom surface of the brim. The marking material is secured to the bottom surface of the brim. The marking material has reflective properties.

Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with a general description of the disclosure given above, and the detailed description of the embodiment(s) given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a marking material in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the marking material of FIG. 1 as taken along line segment “2-2”;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating application of the marking material of FIG. 1 to an industrial helmet;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a marking material in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the marking material of FIG. 4 as taken along line segment “5-5”;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of yet another embodiment of a marking material in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of still another embodiment of a marking material in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating application of the marking material of FIG. 7 to another industrial helmet;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view illustrating a marking material system being positioned on bottom surfaces of another industrial helmet;

FIG. 10 is a side, perspective view of another embodiment of a marking material system shown positioned on yet another industrial helmet;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of still another embodiment of a marking material system shown positioned on another industrial helmet;

FIG. 12 is a front plan view of yet another embodiment of a marking material system shown positioned on an industrial helmet;

FIG. 13 is a side view of one embodiment of a marking material shown positioned on yet another industrial helmet;

FIGS. 14-17 are top plan views of alternate embodiments of marking material systems; and

FIGS. 18A-18J are progressive views illustrating an application of an embodiment of a marking material to an industrial helmet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. As used herein, the term marking material can include decals, stickers, and the like.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of a marking material 10 that secures to a bottom surface “B” of a brim “BR” of an industrial helmet “H”—bottom surface “B” is opposite a top surface “T” of industrial helmet “H” and faces the ground when properly worn on a human head (not shown). Marking material 10 has a body 12 formed of one or more polymeric materials (e.g., vinyl materials) with a top surface 12 a and a bottom surface 12 b. Body 12 includes a central portion 12 c and a pair of arms 12 d, 12 e that extends from central portion 12 c to a pair of complementary ends 12 f, 12 g. Central portion 12 c has a width “W1” that transitions or tapers to a width “W2” of each of the pair of arms 12 e, 12 d. Together, inner surfaces of the pair of arms 12 d, 12 e and an inner surface of central portion 12 c define a cavity 12 h through body 12 that is dimensioned to extend around a head-receiving cavity “C” of industrial helmet “H.”

In some embodiments, complementary ends 12 f, 12 g are integrally formed such that the pair of arms 12 e, 12 d are unitary with each other and central body 12 c (see FIG. 9, embodiment of marking material 10 a) and/or just with each other to form a U-shaped arm arrangement 62 (see FIG. 17, embodiment of marking material 60) separate from central body 12 c. Although body 12 is shown having a brim shape of an industrial helmet, body 12 can have any suitable shape such as a doughnut shape, U-shape, etc. Although shown as non-fibrous, body 12 may include any suitable fabric material.

Body 12 includes a first polymeric material 14, an indicia material 16, and a second polymeric material 18. First polymeric material 14 has reflective properties and supports an adhesive 14 a on a bottom surface thereof that functions to secure marking material 10 to bottom surface “B” of brim “BR” of industrial helmet “H”—a brim area. Indicia material 16 is supported between a top surface of first polymeric material 14 and a bottom surface of second polymeric material 18. Second polymeric material 18 covers first polymeric material 14 and indicia material 16 and has heat and fire resistant properties. First polymeric material 14, indicia material 16, second polymeric material 18, and/or adhesive 14 a may be layered.

By way of example only, embodiments of the presently described marking materials may have a minimum of three (3) layers which may be as follows:

-   -   a. First polymeric material 14 (Layer 1)—A reflective layer or         media having a thickness of between about 3 millimeters and 6         millimeters. Layer 1 provides the marking material with a first         layer of insulation that contacts bottom surface “B” of         industrial helmet “H” (e.g., via adhesive 14 a).     -   b. Indicia material 16 (Layer 2)—An indicia or ink layer that is         printed on the reflective layer (Layer 1) or media including         indicia or markings, such as, for example, names, badge numbers,         designs, symbols, etc. Layer 2 adds to the thickness of Layer 1,         the insulative properties of the marking material, and the         integrity of the marking material.     -   c. Second polymeric material 18 (Layer 3)—An ultraviolet (UV)         resistant over-laminate to overlie the indicia or ink layer         (Layer 2) and/or reflective layer (Layer 1) to function as a         protective layer. Layer 3 may be a clear layer having a         thickness of between about 2 millimeters and 4 millimeters.         Layer 3 provides the marking material with the ability to be         resistant to elements in the air, scratch resistant, and/or UV         resistant.

The polymeric materials contemplated in accordance with the present disclosure include several types or finishes depending on level of glare and level of distraction. By way of example only, the following polymeric materials may be utilized:

-   -   a. White printed reflective vinyl: department or company logos         may be easily identified thereon as well as a wearer's name or         identification (ID) number, in a reverse format, making that         wearer's identification that much easier.     -   b. Black reflective material: available for the department or         company which does not want attention drawn during normal         circumstances which provides lower identification properties         during standard light. However, when direct light shines on the         marking material, then the marking material stands out in a         rough or emergency environment.     -   c. Standard vinyl, and specialty vinyl: for decoration and         simple identification properties where extreme circumstances and         conditions are not a factor.

In accordance with the present disclosure, at least a portion of the marking material may be provided with non-glare and/or anti-glare properties (for example, that portion of the marking material which would overlay a wearers eyes) by adding a matte laminate over the top of the surface when company, organization, manufacturer or company specifies which will reduce or eliminate glare from outside elements keeping the rest of the wearer's eyes focused on what emergency situation is at hand, and will keep the graphic protected from outside elements leading to quality and longevity in the marking material.

For example, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, another embodiment of a marking material is generally referred to as 20. Marking material 20 is substantially similar to marking material 10 and includes a body 22 with a top surface 22 a and a bottom surface 22 b. Body 22 has first polymeric material 14, indicia material 16, second polymeric material 18, and third polymeric material 24. Third polymeric material is a matte laminate.

As seen in FIG. 6, yet another embodiment of a marking material is generally referred to as 30. Marking material 30 is substantially similar to marking material 10; however, marking material 30 has limited or non-reflective properties.

With reference to FIG. 7, still another embodiment of a marking material is generally referred to as 40. Marking material 40 is substantially similar to marking material 10; however, marking material 40 has a body 42 that is generally U-shaped. Body 42 includes a central body 12 c and a pair of arms 42 a, 42 b that extend therefrom. As seen in FIG. 8, marking material 40 secures to only a portion of brim “BR” of industrial helmet “H,” for example, a wide portion “WP” of brim “BR” (typically the back of industrial helmet “H”)—as compared to a narrow portion “NP” of brim “BR” (typically the front of industrial helmet “H.”)

Referring now to FIG. 9, one embodiment of a marking material system is generally referred to as 50. Marking material system 50 includes a marking material such as marking material 10 a that secures to brim “B” of industrial helmet “H” and one or more marking material inserts 52 that are configured to be secured to industrial helmet “H” within head-receiving cavity “C,” for example, in radial relation to one another about the head-receiving cavity “C.” Marking material inserts 52 can have any suitable shape such as the triangular configuration shown in FIG. 9. Marking material inserts 52 can be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials of any of the embodiments of the presently described marking materials.

As seen in FIGS. 10-13, marking materials of the present disclosure, such as embodiments “M1”-“M8,” can have any suitable shape and can be positioned on any suitable surface of any industrial helmet such as industrial helmets “H1”-“H4,” including top surfaces “T” thereof.

With reference to FIGS. 14-17, embodiments of marking material systems, such as marking material systems 80 a-80 d, include marking materials such as marking materials 10, 10 a, 40, 60 and/or marking material inserts 52 that are secured to a substrate or backing material 70 for selective removal therefrom.

FIGS. 18A-18J illustrate one example of an application of marking material of the present disclosure (e.g., marking material 10) to industrial helmet “H.” With a clean application surface such as bottom surface “B” of brim “BR,” marking material 10 is peeled or otherwise separated from backing material 70 and positioned on bottom surface “B” of brim “BR” with light pressure. Marking material 10 is then pushed/rubbed on to bottom surface “B” while pulling unsecured portions thereof to limit or prevent any air bubbles from forming between bottom surface “B” and marking material 10. After securing all edges and ensuring a tight application, complementary ends 12 g, 12 f can be overlapped for final securement of marking material 10 to industrial helmet “H.” A card or the like can be used to push out any air bubbles that may be formed. If the marking material is not in the right position or if air bubbles are present, the marking material may be peeled off and re-stuck again to release the air bubbles with a simple finger massage. In the fire industry in particular, an air bubble on a hot surface can heat, generate steam, bulge, and eventually burst possibly burning the individual, so it is important to make sure all air bubbles are removed. Marking material 10 can be trimmed as necessary for the desired fit.

To manufacture, indicia material 16 such as an eco-solvent based ink, is printed onto the top surface of first polymeric material 14 and dried using heat to dispel gases from the indicia material. Indicia material 16 maybe digitally printed onto first polymeric material 14. A “cold” laminator is then used to apply second polymeric material 18. For example, second polymeric material 18 can be a straight roll fed laminate that is bonded onto indicia material 16 and/or first polymeric material 14 using high pressure rollers. Once laminated, marking material 10 can be contour cut using suitable templates to enable marking material 10 to fit any industrial helmet “H.” Marking materials 10 can then be scored from backing material 70 to enable marking material 10 to be peeled from backing material 70 for securement to industrial helmet “H.”

Any of the presently described marking material can be used to cover (or wrapped as is understood in the vinyl industry) at least ½, at least ¾, and possibly the entire surface area of an industrial helmet “H.” More specifically, at least ½, at least ¾, and possibly the entire surface area of bottom surface “B” of brim “BR” of industrial helmet “H.” With embodiments the presently described marking materials covering at least portions of industrial helmet “H,” particularly those embodiments including reflective properties, the wearer of industrial helmet “H” has the ability to be seen by simply using flash camera, a flashlight, or even any form of light, thereby saving critical time in a rescue situation.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the structures and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying figures are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the description, disclosure, and figures should be construed merely as exemplary of particular embodiments. It is to be understood, therefore, that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise embodiments described, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Additionally, the elements and features shown or described in connection with certain embodiments may be combined with the elements and features of certain other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and that such modifications and variations are also included within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A marking material for an industrial helmet having a brim extending therefrom, the brim including top and bottom surfaces, the marking material comprising: a body formed of a plurality of layers and supporting an adhesive arranged to secure the body to the bottom surface of the brim of the industrial helmet, wherein at least two of the layers include at least one polymeric material, a first one of the at least two layers has reflective properties, and a second one of the at least two layers has heat and fire resistant properties.
 2. The marking material of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of layers includes indicia material.
 3. The marking material of claim 2, wherein the indicia material includes ink.
 4. The marking material of claim 2, wherein the indicia material is printed on the first one of the at least two layers.
 5. The marking material of claim 1, wherein the first one of the at least two layers has a thickness of between about 3 millimeters and 6 millimeters.
 6. The marking material of claim 1, wherein the second one of the at least two layers is non-fibrous.
 7. The marking material of claim 1, wherein the second one of the at least two layers is clear.
 8. The marking material of claim 1, wherein the second one of the at least two layers has ultraviolet resistance properties, scratch resistance properties, or combinations thereof.
 9. The marking material of claim 1, wherein the second one of the at least two layers has a thickness of between about 2 mm and 4 mm.
 10. The marking material of claim 1, wherein the at least two layers are formed of a vinyl material.
 11. The marking material of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least two layers includes anti-glare properties, non-glare properties, or combinations thereof.
 12. The marking material of claim 1, wherein the at least two layers includes a third layer, the third layer being a matte laminate.
 13. The marking material of claim 1, wherein the first one of the at least two layers includes white reflective material, black reflective material, or combinations thereof.
 14. The marking material of claim 1, wherein the body has a brim shape.
 15. The marking material of claim 1, wherein the body has a U-shape.
 16. A marking material for an industrial helmet having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface defining a head-receiving cavity therein, the industrial helmet including a brim, wherein a portion of the bottom surface of the industrial helmet defines a bottom surface of the brim, the marking material comprising: a body having reflective properties and a brim shape that complements at least a portion of the bottom surface of the brim of the industrial helmet, the body supporting an adhesive configured to secure the body to the bottom surface of the brim of the industrial helmet.
 17. The marking material of claim 16, wherein the body includes a central portion having a width and a pair of arms that extends from the central portion, each of the pair of arms having a width, the width of the central portion transitioning to the width of the pair of arms.
 18. The marking material of claim 16, wherein the bottom surface of the brim defines a brim area, the marking material shaped and configured to overlie at least about 50% of the brim area.
 19. The marking material of claim 18, wherein the marking material is shaped and configured to overlie at least about 90% of the brim area.
 20. An industrial helmet, comprising: a top surface; a bottom surface defining a head-receiving cavity therein; a brim having a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the industrial helmet including the bottom surface of the brim; and a marking material secured to the bottom surface of the brim, the marking material having reflective properties. 